Mr. Wiley Pierce was born on January 10, 1882 to Mr. James T. and Mrs. Burnette (Morris) Pierce in Franklinton, Louisiana. He married Miss Ida Irene Welch on January 21, 1909 in Franklnton. To this union six children were born, Wendell Pierce, Maxine Pierce, Woodrow Pierce, Harvell Pierce, Eilyne Pierce and Lynetta Pierce.
Wiley died on March 3, 1923 in Franklinton. He was survived by his wife, his six children and several brothers and sisters. Two infant sons and both parents preceded him in death. Burial took place on March 9, 1923 at Morris Cemetery.
------------------------------------------------------------
BODIES OF REVENUES IN MUD NEAR STILL FOR MANUFACTURE OF LIQUOR -- BODIES OF MISSING DEPUTIES FOUND IN LOUISIANA SWAMPS -- Two of Twelve Men Under Arrest at Franklinton Makes Confession -- SHERIFF LEAVES WITH PRISONER FOR SEARCH
(AP) Franklinton, La., March 7—The bodies of Wesley Crain and Wiley Pierce, deputy sheriffs, slain Saturday by moonshiners. were found early today buried in mud into which they had been pressed and covered with the carcass of a dead cow. They were found about a quarter of a mile from a destroyed moonshine still in the swamps about eight miles from here. The slayers, John Murphy and Gideon Rester, moonshiners, have confessed and led the officers to the burial spot, it was announced by District Judge Prentiss B. Carter.
Men Rounded Up -- They had previously been rounded up with ten others and place in jail by a posse of about 800 armed men who had beat the woods and swamps for several days. The bodies were found a few feet apart and showed signs of having been pressed into the mud by the feet of their slayers. The body of Pierce had been mutilated with an axe, according to authorities. The alleged confessers told the sheriff of how the deputies had come to their home on Saturday morning, raided their still and placed both under arrest. Judge Carter said, they were searched, then the party started on foot out of the swamp. Coming to a narrow lane the four walked in single file, Murphy, according to Judge Carter, pulled a pistol he had concealed on his person and shot Deputy Pierce, killing him. He then killed Deputy Crain. Both bodies were carried to the spot where they were found. The bodies were brought here this morning and prepared for burial.
Horses Found -- Fear for the live» of the deputies became pronounced Sunday when they failed to return here after seating out Friday night on horseback to raid a still. One of the horses returned riderless Sunday morning and the other was found tied in a shack near the still. A posse was formed, district court, then in session was adjourned, banks and other business houses, were closed and a detachment of cavalrymen from Bogalusa joined in the search.
The authorities believed the deputies had been slain and their bodies disposed of. A visit to the locality where the raid occurred revealed a destroyed still. A dozen persons living in the vicinity were arrested and placed in jail as suspects. The blood-stained clothing of one of the missing men was found in the home of one cf the suspects. Fifteen men were deputized today to guard the jail in which Murphy and Rester are held. The sheriff, J. K. Bateman, stated, however, that he did not fear mob violence. A grand jury will be convened at once and the trial of the men probably will be started next week, the district judge said, The sheriff said the murder« occurred early Saturday morning.
Published: Wednesday, March 7, 1923 -- The Monroe News-Star, Page 1
Deputy Robert "Wesley" Crain (FAG # 36374437)
**Notes:
JOHN MURPHY was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death and was hanged on August 31, 1923.
GIDEON RESTER was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death but that was reduced to life imprisonment in July 1923. Rester was stabbed to death by a fellow prisoner on December 18, 1926 at the state penal farm in Angola.
JAP LITLE, M. LITTLE and FRANK CARTER were convicted of Accessories After The Fact and each sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary.
Wiley died on March 3, 1923 in Franklinton. He was survived by his wife, his six children and several brothers and sisters. Two infant sons and both parents preceded him in death. Burial took place on March 9, 1923 at Morris Cemetery.
------------------------------------------------------------
BODIES OF REVENUES IN MUD NEAR STILL FOR MANUFACTURE OF LIQUOR -- BODIES OF MISSING DEPUTIES FOUND IN LOUISIANA SWAMPS -- Two of Twelve Men Under Arrest at Franklinton Makes Confession -- SHERIFF LEAVES WITH PRISONER FOR SEARCH
(AP) Franklinton, La., March 7—The bodies of Wesley Crain and Wiley Pierce, deputy sheriffs, slain Saturday by moonshiners. were found early today buried in mud into which they had been pressed and covered with the carcass of a dead cow. They were found about a quarter of a mile from a destroyed moonshine still in the swamps about eight miles from here. The slayers, John Murphy and Gideon Rester, moonshiners, have confessed and led the officers to the burial spot, it was announced by District Judge Prentiss B. Carter.
Men Rounded Up -- They had previously been rounded up with ten others and place in jail by a posse of about 800 armed men who had beat the woods and swamps for several days. The bodies were found a few feet apart and showed signs of having been pressed into the mud by the feet of their slayers. The body of Pierce had been mutilated with an axe, according to authorities. The alleged confessers told the sheriff of how the deputies had come to their home on Saturday morning, raided their still and placed both under arrest. Judge Carter said, they were searched, then the party started on foot out of the swamp. Coming to a narrow lane the four walked in single file, Murphy, according to Judge Carter, pulled a pistol he had concealed on his person and shot Deputy Pierce, killing him. He then killed Deputy Crain. Both bodies were carried to the spot where they were found. The bodies were brought here this morning and prepared for burial.
Horses Found -- Fear for the live» of the deputies became pronounced Sunday when they failed to return here after seating out Friday night on horseback to raid a still. One of the horses returned riderless Sunday morning and the other was found tied in a shack near the still. A posse was formed, district court, then in session was adjourned, banks and other business houses, were closed and a detachment of cavalrymen from Bogalusa joined in the search.
The authorities believed the deputies had been slain and their bodies disposed of. A visit to the locality where the raid occurred revealed a destroyed still. A dozen persons living in the vicinity were arrested and placed in jail as suspects. The blood-stained clothing of one of the missing men was found in the home of one cf the suspects. Fifteen men were deputized today to guard the jail in which Murphy and Rester are held. The sheriff, J. K. Bateman, stated, however, that he did not fear mob violence. A grand jury will be convened at once and the trial of the men probably will be started next week, the district judge said, The sheriff said the murder« occurred early Saturday morning.
Published: Wednesday, March 7, 1923 -- The Monroe News-Star, Page 1
Deputy Robert "Wesley" Crain (FAG # 36374437)
**Notes:
JOHN MURPHY was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death and was hanged on August 31, 1923.
GIDEON RESTER was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death but that was reduced to life imprisonment in July 1923. Rester was stabbed to death by a fellow prisoner on December 18, 1926 at the state penal farm in Angola.
JAP LITLE, M. LITTLE and FRANK CARTER were convicted of Accessories After The Fact and each sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary.
Mr. Wiley Pierce was born on January 10, 1882 to Mr. James T. and Mrs. Burnette (Morris) Pierce in Franklinton, Louisiana. He married Miss Ida Irene Welch on January 21, 1909 in Franklnton. To this union six children were born, Wendell Pierce, Maxine Pierce, Woodrow Pierce, Harvell Pierce, Eilyne Pierce and Lynetta Pierce.
Wiley died on March 3, 1923 in Franklinton. He was survived by his wife, his six children and several brothers and sisters. Two infant sons and both parents preceded him in death. Burial took place on March 9, 1923 at Morris Cemetery.
------------------------------------------------------------
BODIES OF REVENUES IN MUD NEAR STILL FOR MANUFACTURE OF LIQUOR -- BODIES OF MISSING DEPUTIES FOUND IN LOUISIANA SWAMPS -- Two of Twelve Men Under Arrest at Franklinton Makes Confession -- SHERIFF LEAVES WITH PRISONER FOR SEARCH
(AP) Franklinton, La., March 7—The bodies of Wesley Crain and Wiley Pierce, deputy sheriffs, slain Saturday by moonshiners. were found early today buried in mud into which they had been pressed and covered with the carcass of a dead cow. They were found about a quarter of a mile from a destroyed moonshine still in the swamps about eight miles from here. The slayers, John Murphy and Gideon Rester, moonshiners, have confessed and led the officers to the burial spot, it was announced by District Judge Prentiss B. Carter.
Men Rounded Up -- They had previously been rounded up with ten others and place in jail by a posse of about 800 armed men who had beat the woods and swamps for several days. The bodies were found a few feet apart and showed signs of having been pressed into the mud by the feet of their slayers. The body of Pierce had been mutilated with an axe, according to authorities. The alleged confessers told the sheriff of how the deputies had come to their home on Saturday morning, raided their still and placed both under arrest. Judge Carter said, they were searched, then the party started on foot out of the swamp. Coming to a narrow lane the four walked in single file, Murphy, according to Judge Carter, pulled a pistol he had concealed on his person and shot Deputy Pierce, killing him. He then killed Deputy Crain. Both bodies were carried to the spot where they were found. The bodies were brought here this morning and prepared for burial.
Horses Found -- Fear for the live» of the deputies became pronounced Sunday when they failed to return here after seating out Friday night on horseback to raid a still. One of the horses returned riderless Sunday morning and the other was found tied in a shack near the still. A posse was formed, district court, then in session was adjourned, banks and other business houses, were closed and a detachment of cavalrymen from Bogalusa joined in the search.
The authorities believed the deputies had been slain and their bodies disposed of. A visit to the locality where the raid occurred revealed a destroyed still. A dozen persons living in the vicinity were arrested and placed in jail as suspects. The blood-stained clothing of one of the missing men was found in the home of one cf the suspects. Fifteen men were deputized today to guard the jail in which Murphy and Rester are held. The sheriff, J. K. Bateman, stated, however, that he did not fear mob violence. A grand jury will be convened at once and the trial of the men probably will be started next week, the district judge said, The sheriff said the murder« occurred early Saturday morning.
Published: Wednesday, March 7, 1923 -- The Monroe News-Star, Page 1
Deputy Robert "Wesley" Crain (FAG # 36374437)
**Notes:
JOHN MURPHY was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death and was hanged on August 31, 1923.
GIDEON RESTER was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death but that was reduced to life imprisonment in July 1923. Rester was stabbed to death by a fellow prisoner on December 18, 1926 at the state penal farm in Angola.
JAP LITLE, M. LITTLE and FRANK CARTER were convicted of Accessories After The Fact and each sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary.
Wiley died on March 3, 1923 in Franklinton. He was survived by his wife, his six children and several brothers and sisters. Two infant sons and both parents preceded him in death. Burial took place on March 9, 1923 at Morris Cemetery.
------------------------------------------------------------
BODIES OF REVENUES IN MUD NEAR STILL FOR MANUFACTURE OF LIQUOR -- BODIES OF MISSING DEPUTIES FOUND IN LOUISIANA SWAMPS -- Two of Twelve Men Under Arrest at Franklinton Makes Confession -- SHERIFF LEAVES WITH PRISONER FOR SEARCH
(AP) Franklinton, La., March 7—The bodies of Wesley Crain and Wiley Pierce, deputy sheriffs, slain Saturday by moonshiners. were found early today buried in mud into which they had been pressed and covered with the carcass of a dead cow. They were found about a quarter of a mile from a destroyed moonshine still in the swamps about eight miles from here. The slayers, John Murphy and Gideon Rester, moonshiners, have confessed and led the officers to the burial spot, it was announced by District Judge Prentiss B. Carter.
Men Rounded Up -- They had previously been rounded up with ten others and place in jail by a posse of about 800 armed men who had beat the woods and swamps for several days. The bodies were found a few feet apart and showed signs of having been pressed into the mud by the feet of their slayers. The body of Pierce had been mutilated with an axe, according to authorities. The alleged confessers told the sheriff of how the deputies had come to their home on Saturday morning, raided their still and placed both under arrest. Judge Carter said, they were searched, then the party started on foot out of the swamp. Coming to a narrow lane the four walked in single file, Murphy, according to Judge Carter, pulled a pistol he had concealed on his person and shot Deputy Pierce, killing him. He then killed Deputy Crain. Both bodies were carried to the spot where they were found. The bodies were brought here this morning and prepared for burial.
Horses Found -- Fear for the live» of the deputies became pronounced Sunday when they failed to return here after seating out Friday night on horseback to raid a still. One of the horses returned riderless Sunday morning and the other was found tied in a shack near the still. A posse was formed, district court, then in session was adjourned, banks and other business houses, were closed and a detachment of cavalrymen from Bogalusa joined in the search.
The authorities believed the deputies had been slain and their bodies disposed of. A visit to the locality where the raid occurred revealed a destroyed still. A dozen persons living in the vicinity were arrested and placed in jail as suspects. The blood-stained clothing of one of the missing men was found in the home of one cf the suspects. Fifteen men were deputized today to guard the jail in which Murphy and Rester are held. The sheriff, J. K. Bateman, stated, however, that he did not fear mob violence. A grand jury will be convened at once and the trial of the men probably will be started next week, the district judge said, The sheriff said the murder« occurred early Saturday morning.
Published: Wednesday, March 7, 1923 -- The Monroe News-Star, Page 1
Deputy Robert "Wesley" Crain (FAG # 36374437)
**Notes:
JOHN MURPHY was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death and was hanged on August 31, 1923.
GIDEON RESTER was found guilty and convicted of both murders on March 23, 1923. He was sentenced to death but that was reduced to life imprisonment in July 1923. Rester was stabbed to death by a fellow prisoner on December 18, 1926 at the state penal farm in Angola.
JAP LITLE, M. LITTLE and FRANK CARTER were convicted of Accessories After The Fact and each sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary.
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
